2023 CDT code changes to image-related procedures
- Updated:
- March 2023
- Author:
- Charles Blair, DDS
- Topic:
- Coding
The American Dental Association’s Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) is responsible for keeping the CDT code set timely, relevant, and applicable to the standard practice of dentistry. The updates to the CDT codes in 2023 became effective on January 1. Many of these updates involve dental imaging – including several revisions, new codes, and deletions within the diagnostic category of service.
One of the most frequently used CDT codes received a revision this year: D0210 intraoral – comprehensive series of radiographic images, commonly referred to as the full mouth series of radiographs. Equivalent changes to those that were made to D0210 were also made to the image capture only variant of the comprehensive series, D0709.
What are “image capture only” CDT codes?
“Image Capture Only” CDT codes apply when capture and interpretation are separate procedures performed by different practitioners, such as when utilizing an imaging center.
The image interpretation procedure is reported separately using D0391, interpretation of a diagnostic image by a practitioner not associated with the capture of the image, including report. Click here to see the full explanation and flowchart from the American Dental Association.
Additional image-related CDT code changes
Another set of changes for the 2023 CDT code set involves the deletion of D0351 3D photographic image and its image capture only variant D0704, and replacing them with four distinct new CDT codes that better describe the procedures. See D0801, D0802, D0803, and D0804 in Code Advisor or Dental Coding with Confidence for more details.
Six new codes were also introduced in the 2023 CDT code set involving a relatively new dental radiographic technology called stationary intraoral tomosynthesis (sIOT). This new technology utilizes carbon nanotube technology to direct multiple x-ray sources at slightly different angles within a single x-ray head. These convergent beams are directed to an intraoral sensor which produces a stack of intraoral images which are compiled together.
Stay up to date with CDT code changes
This is just a brief overview of the 2023 CDT code changes to image-related procedures. Do you want more information on all of the changes? We certainly recommend that, and we’ve got you covered.
Code Advisor is the most comprehensive and up-to-date online database of CDT codes available. This powerful web-based search engine provides an in-depth review of all CDT codes to enable dental teams to properly report dental procedures. Plus, it is completely searchable, by either code number or by topic, word, or phrase, to maximize the efficiency of your coding team.
-
Code Advisor’s Warnings, Cautions, and Matches use an innovative Predictive Error CorrectionTM technology, designed to stop coding errors before they happen
-
Code Comments provide additional details on the proper use of a given CDT code, and Code Limitations highlight situations where the code may not be applicable
-
Coding Tips and Narrative guidelines offer insight into properly reporting CDT codes to gain timely and maximum reimbursement on claims
-
Flowcharts and images demonstrate the proper sequencing of procedures with the related coding techniques
-
Subscription to Code Advisor also includes 6 paper issues of the Insurance Solutions Newsletter each year, plus online access to the past 3 year’s newsletter articles
Arm yourself with the best tools, resources, and training available to maximize legitimate reimbursement and minimize the hassles and exposures to audit risk.
